Major contributors to lung cancers in never-smokers include second-hand smoke, carcinogen exposure at work and outdoor pollution.

Shock figures

While smoking causes around 85 per cent of lung cancers, it is estimated that around 6,000 people in the UK who have never smoked die of the disease every year.

That's more than the numbers of people who die of cervical cancer, lymphoma, leukaemia and ovarian cancer.

Lead author, Professor Paul Cosford, of Public Health England, said: "For too long having lung cancer has only been thought of as a smoking related disease.

"This remains an important association but, as this this work shows, the scale of the challenge means there is a need to raise awareness with clinicians and policy makers of the other risk factors including indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Most people who have never smoked do not believe they are at risk and often experience long delays in diagnosis

"By delivering on the promise of a clean air generation we can reduce the number of lung cancers among those who have never smoked."

Co-author Professor Mick Peake, of University College London Hospitals Cancer Collaborative, said: "Despite advances in our understanding, most people who have never smoked do not believe they are at risk and often experience long delays in diagnosis, reducing their chances of receiving curative treatment."

The 8 re-flag signs of lung cancer you need to know

But there are eight important signs to look out for, according to the NHS...

1. A cough that doesn't go away after two or three weeks

2. A long standing cough that gets worse

3. Persistent chest infections

4. Coughing up blood

5. An ache or pain when breathing or coughing

6. Persistent breathlessness

7. Persistent tiredness or lack of energy

8. Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

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There are other less common symptoms to look out for such as changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as them becoming more curved or the ends becoming larger.

Also swelling of the face and neck, persistent chest or shoulder pain and a hoarse voice could all be a sign.

If you have any of these and are concerned it's important to get them checked by a doctor.

10 things you need to know about the UK's second most common type of cancer

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